Étude de l'archégone de Sphagnum palustre. I. Le gamète femelle et la fécondation

Abstract

Female gametogenesis and fertilization of Sphagnum palustre were compared with data on different species of Mnium (Bryatae) and on Fossombronia angulosa (Marchantiatae). The general organization of the archegonium is identical with that observed in other bryophytes. The progamete appears as an odd-shaped 23 μm long cell. Numerous organelles are responsible for the relatively high electronic density. The progamete divides into two cells, the larger being the egg. Different stages of the maturation process of the female gamete are described. The one major difference found is in the origin of the mucopolysaccharides surrounding the female gamete in the archegonium. A stage corresponding to the contact of the two nuclei just prior to fusion was observed in the fertilization process.